FAQ
Straight answers
Short, direct answers to the questions buyers, sellers, and investors ask most.
Buying, selling, investing
Should I buy or sell first?
Usually buy first only if you have cash reserves or a flexible closing. Otherwise sell first so you know exactly what you have to spend. Casey maps both timelines before you commit to either.
What does it cost to sell a home in North Carolina?
The biggest line is the agent commission, agreed in writing with you. Add seller-paid items like transfer tax, any agreed repairs, and your own closing costs. Casey gives you a written net sheet before you list.
How long does it take to sell a house in Raleigh?
Well-priced homes in good shape often go under contract in two to six weeks, then close in another 30 to 45 days. Condition, price, and season move that number more than anything else.
What areas do you work in?
Raleigh and the greater Triangle, plus Wilmington and Coastal NC. If you are looking somewhere else, Casey will tell you straight and connect you with a trusted local agent.
Buying a home
What is the first step to buying my first home?
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval tells you your real budget, shows sellers you are serious, and usually takes a few days with a lender.
How much do I need for a down payment as a first-time buyer?
Often less than 20%. FHA loans can start at 3.5% down and some conventional loans at 3%. Budget another 2–5% of the price for closing costs.
How long does it take to buy a house?
Most purchases take 30–60 days from accepted offer to closing. The search itself varies, so plan on two to four months in total.
Does it cost me anything to work with a buyer's agent?
Buyer agent pay is agreed in writing before you tour homes. It is often covered fully or partly by the seller, and Casey walks you through the options up front.
Selling
How do I price my home so it actually sells?
Compare recent sales of similar homes nearby, adjust for condition and upgrades, and price to the market you are selling into — not the number you hope for. Overpricing in the first two weeks is the most common and most expensive mistake. Casey gives you a written comparables sheet before you list.
What should I fix before putting my home on the market?
Fix the cheap things buyers notice first: paint, lighting, landscaping, and small repairs. Major renovations rarely pay back what they cost. Casey walks the house with you and ranks fixes by what they are likely to return.
Do I have to make repairs before listing?
No. You can sell as-is, disclose and price for the condition, or repair selectively. The right answer depends on your timeline and your net goal, and Casey models both before you decide.
How is my home marketed once it is listed?
Photography, listing on the major real estate sites, syndication to the regional MLS, open houses, and direct outreach to agents who have buyers in your price range. Casey also posts listings to her own channels.
Can you help with an inherited, tenant-occupied, or probate sale?
Yes. Inherited homes, tenants already in place, and estate timelines are common situations and each has its own sequence. Casey handles the paperwork order and keeps the sale moving.
Investing
How do I know if a rental property will cash flow?
Subtract every monthly cost — mortgage, taxes, insurance, vacancy, repairs, capital expenses, and management — from realistic rent. What is left is cash flow. Casey runs these numbers with you on every property.
What is the best first rental property for a beginner?
Usually a small, move-in-ready single-family home or duplex in a stable neighborhood — in the Raleigh area, close-in neighborhoods near Downtown and growing nearby towns are common starting points — with steady rental demand. Simple properties make for easier first deals.
Can I buy a rental property with a small down payment?
Yes, through house hacking: buy a 2–4 unit property, live in one unit, and rent the others. That can qualify you for owner-occupied loans with low down payments.
Are online platforms or a local agent better for finding rentals?
Online platforms are good for research. A local agent adds on-the-ground knowledge of neighborhoods, rents, and off-market deals, and can negotiate for you.